6 August 2014 – The International Day of Peace is celebrated each year on 21 September to raise awareness of the need for peace. Peace Day is dedicated to spreading the message of world peace, in particular the absence of violence and war. It was officially celebrated for the first time in 1982 and is now widely celebrated by many nations, political groups and individuals. The day is usually marked by peace initiatives and international campaigns to raise awareness for peace.
Peace Day activities and initiatives
The Peace Talks are held around Peace Day in order to place an increased emphasis on the celebrations and to underline the main message of Peace Day. A new edition of the Peace Talks is underway in Geneva, Switzerland. It is being held to help redefine and refocus how people think about peace. In order to stimulate new ideas on peace, diverse speakers are gathered to tell their personal stories. The Peace Talks demonstrate how even people from more unconventional backgrounds can have major impacts on peace. Through this broad and inclusive approach, we can show how everyone has something to offer in making peace.
The common goal of peace
Uniting people from all walks of life for a common cause, the International Day of Peace has the opportunity to benefit all people by placing a spotlight on unresolved conflicts and urging forward peace processes. While the world continues to turn, Peace Day serves as a reminder that we all have the potential to contribute and make peace possible.
The 2014 Geneva Peace Talks will take place on Friday, 19 September in Room XVII at the Palais des Nations from 16:30-19:30.